Is CBD Legal in Ohio? (CBD Laws in 2020)

IS CBD LEGAL IN OHIO?

As of July 2019, CBD is legal in Ohio. Sweet and simple? Yep! Cannabidiol (CBD) products are legal in Ohio if they are derived from the hemp plant. 

The state is currently working to set up regulations and rules around the actual cultivation and sale of hemp plants and hemp-derived products. Such as many other states in the US, Ohio passed its own legislation following the approval and passing of the 2018 Farm Bill, legalizing hemp plants and products across the country. 

So what does this mean for this Buckeye State? Let's dive into it!

WHAT IS CBD?

CBD is the medical short term for cannabidiol, a natural compound derived from the cannabis plant. One of the things that makes CBD so special is its non-intoxicating and non-addictive properties. It’s the second most abundant component found in the cannabis plant, right behind tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). 

Unlike CBD, THC does have intoxicating and mind-altering effects. As I'm sure you're now wondering, if they come from the same plant, how do they differ then? Binding infinity, my friends, binding. 

Each cannabinoid, including CBD and THC, connects to cannabinoid receptors in the body. These receptors lie within the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the body. This endocannabinoid system works alongside our other major organ systems, including the immune system, nervous system, and cardiovascular system, to ensure that your body stays in a homeostatic balance at all times. 

The ECS uses cannabinoid receptors to communicate back and forth with other receptors in our bodies. The main cannabinoid receptors in our system are: cannabinoid-receptor 1 (CB1) and cannabinoid-receptor 2 (CB2). THC binds directly to these receptors within our ECS, creating a euphoric effect in users. While, on the other hand, CBD binds indirectly to these receptors within our ECS, with no “high” or euphoria to be had.

CBD can be derived from both the marijuana plant or hemp plant. The big takeaway here is that CBD derived from the hemp plant is legal, at the federal level and in the state of Ohio. On the contrary though, CBD derived from the marijuana plant is illegal, at the federally and in the state of Ohio. 

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CBD FROM HEMP AND CBD FROM CANNABIS STRAINS?

The difference between CBD from hemp and CBD from cannabis strains has to do with the legalities and THC content in the CBD product. 

We mentioned this briefly above, but we'll just quickly reiterate. CBD from hemp is legal in all 50 states, due to it containing less than 0.3% THC. CBD from cannabis strains, however, may contain levels up to 25% of THC, which is not legal in every state.

Get familiar with your state’s marijuana regulations and laws. Some states, for instance California and Colorado, allow for consumers to have marijuana medicinally and recreationally, including CBD derived from hemp and marijuana plants. On the other hand though, states such as Ohio and Utah, do not allow recreational usage of marijuana or CBD derived from marijuana plants. 

Hemp-derived CBD is currently the only federally legal cannabis option across the board for types of CBD that may be safe for non-intoxicating consumption for users. 

CBD derived from hemp may contain significantly less CBD compared to that derived from cannabis. Cannabis-derived CBD may contain high amounts of THC, like we talked about above here, which may require more extraction processes and costs compared to hemp-derived CBD. 

IS CBD LEGAL IN OHIO?

CBD is legal in the state of Ohio. CBD that is hemp-derived, containing 0.0% - 0.03% THC, is federally legal in all 50 states. As of July 2019, Ohio passed the SB 57 law, which decriminalized hemp. SB 57 requires licensing for growing or processing hemp for three years.  

Ohio is beginning to develop specific licensing procedures for hemp growers, farmers, and processors. In general, licensing is not (yet) required to sell or purchase hemp plants or CBD products. However, consumers and users should soon see CBD-infused products available in more and more places, shops, grocery stores, and dispensaries. 

Although the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet federally legalized all CBD products, the 2018 Farm Bill is holding promise for the gateway of CBD to develop. 

CBD is legal for use in dietary supplements, food, cosmetics, and personal care products in the state of Ohio. The only CBD products not allowed in Ohio are in smokable forms produced by licensed marijuana growers. 

There are currently no possession limits for CBD derived from help in the state of Ohio. Keep in mind though, according to House Agriculture Committee, there are three main regulations that the state of Ohio has to include: 

• Ohio Department of Ag must track all hemp grown in the state
• All hemp growers must be licensed through the Ohio Department of Ag
• Hemp must contain less than 0.3% THC

WHAT ABOUT THC?

THC is legal for medicinal usage in the state of Ohio, but not yet for recreational usage. 

The state only allows medical use for qualifying patients (more on this below). Interestingly enough, even if you do medically qualify for medical cannabis, smoking and or vaping marijuana in the state of Ohio is not allowed. 

Any Ohio resident, with a qualifying medical condition, can receive a marijuana registration card. Patients can visit a medical marijuana clinic in Ohio, review your medical records with a licensed physician, receive a physical exam, and apply through an online application that can be approved by the Ohio Board of Pharmacy to be enrolled in the registry.

Medical marijuana cards in Ohio expire after just one year, just something to keep in mind. 

WHERE CAN I BUY CBD IN OHIO?

You can purchase CBD products and oils in small and local pharmacies and health grocery stores in the state of Ohio. Major drugstore chains and places do not yet sell hemp-derived CBD products in Ohio. 

As time goes on and the state is able to work out its licensing processes, it is likely that more stores and shops will begin to carry hemp-derived CBD oils and products. As of lately, Ohio dispensaries do carry CBD products that have been laboratory tested.

The nice thing is that you can purchase CBD online in all 50 states, including Ohio. Shopping online is a viable and easily accessible option. Rest assured, even the US Postal Service supports legal hemp-derived CBD products to be shipped by mail. CBD products can be found online, including here. 

CAN DOCTORS IN OHIO PRESCRIBE CBD?

Currently, doctors are not permitted to prescribe CBD products and oils, because CBD is not yet an FDA approved drug. Here’s the caveat, doctors can recommend CBD oil and THC products to patients they feel can benefit from its therapeutic use. 

After visiting your doctor, for instance, if you have qualifying health concerns, you can receive a Medical Marijuana Card from the state of Ohio. 

CBD can be used to help and assist with a wide array of health concerns. Medical conditions and qualifying health concerns that physicians may recommend CBD to in the state of Ohio may include:

• ADD and ADHD
• Addiction
• Alcoholism
• Alzheimer’s Disease
• Inflammation
• Kidney and Liver Disease
• Pain
• Parkinson’s Disease
• PTSD
• Cancer
• Bipolar Disorder
• Depression
• Diabetes
• Schizophrenia
• Mood Disorders
• Migraines and Headaches
• Nausea
• Obesity
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
• HIV & AIDS
• Traumatic Brain Injury

The only exception to physicians being able to prescribe CBD to patients is through a drug called Epidiolex, which is manufactured by GW Pharmaceuticals. In a major nutshell, Epidiolex is pure CBD. For example, doctors can prescribe this drug to children suffering from certain intractable forms of epilepsy. 

WHAT ARE THE BEST CBD PRODUCTS?

Nanocraft offers a wide range of products including CBD oil drops, CBD post workout, CBD waters, CBD gel caps, and CBD creams.

Each and every one of our products contain only the high-quality hemp-derived cannabidiol, organically grown and farmed, with state-of-the-art farming techniques and standards. 

If you’re wanting a quick absorption, our CBD Oil Drops are a great option. Sublingual application allows for the CBD to be absorbed quickly into the bloodstream via your tastebuds. 

Our CBD Creams are an athlete favorite when it comes to helping sore muscles and assisting in pain relief.

Our CBD Post Workout and CBD Waters are great options if you’re wanting to drink down CBD packed with superfoods, electrolytes, and unique terpenes while you’re working out or need a post-workout shake.

CBD Oil Drops are a stellar option for users and athletes wanting to reap the benefits of CBD quickly. The major benefit of CBD oil is it’s easy-to-apply sublingual administration. The CBD oil absorbs directly into the bloodstream, through receptor cells. 

Not sure which one to try? Check out our CBD Bundles and CBD for Athletes Collections. 

* DISCLAIMER: The information in this article is for educational purposes only. It does not exploit or provide medical advice of any kind. Therefore, any reliance you place on the information below is strictly at your own risk. Please check with your medical provider before starting or changing a CBD routine.

Kirsten Thornhill, MS

Nanocraft Sciences

Content Writer x Physiologist x Researcher

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• #cannabidiol
• #cbd
• #cbdforathletes
• #cbdoil
• #hemp